MLB Player News

Ragans (elbow) had a throwing session cut short Friday and will undergo additional testing, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

According to manager Matt Quatraro, Ragans "woke up yesterday [Friday], not feeling as well arm-wise." The southpaw still attempted to throw, but he had to cut the session short. As a result, Kansas City has elected to have Ragans sent in for more testing, which will take place "in the next couple of days." The 28-year-old had progressed to throwing bullpen sessions in his rehab from a left elbow impingement, but the setback may push back his timeline to rejoin Kansas City's rotation.

The Rockies optioned Criswell to Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday.

Criswell turned in scoreless frames in both of his appearances after being recalled from Triple-A on Tuesday, but he'll be sent back down so the Rockies can get a fresh bullpen arm in the form of Eiberson Castellano. Criswell hasn't performed nearly as well at Albuquerque this season (nine earned runs in 10.2 IP), but his performance with the Rockies could keep him in consideration for a return to Colorado later in the year.

Blanco (elbow) tossed 40 pitches in a simulated game Saturday and will soon start a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Blanco has been sidelined all season while continuing his recovery from last June's Tommy John surgery with an internal brace. The right-hander has been throwing bullpen sessions for a few months and progressed to facing live hitters in late May. Blanco now appears ready to return to game action in the FCL, though he isn't expected to be ready to pitch for the Astros until after the All-Star break.

The Rockies selected Castellano's contract from Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday.

Castellano has spent most of the season at Double-A Hartford, though he made his last appearance at Albuquerque and pitched six shutout innings while striking out seven batters and allowing three men to reach base. The 25-year-old will now get a chance to show what he can do in the majors while presumably working in a long-relief role. Jeff Criswell was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Castellano on the active roster, and Valente Bellozo was outrighted to Albuquerque to free up a 40-man spot.

Sewald struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning to pick up the save in Friday's win over Cincinnati.

Sewald needed eight pitches to strike out Dane Myers to lead off the inning, but it took just five more offerings for Sewald to collect the final two outs and lock down his 16th save of the season -- good for fourth in the National League. The 36-year-old righty has been much more effective recently than his 3.20 ERA might suggest, allowing just one run and striking out nine batters across his last 10 innings.

Smith struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning to secure the save in Friday's win over the Tigers.

Smith needed just 13 pitches to retire the side in order, picking up a strikeout of Riley Greene in the process, to convert his 19th straight save chance. The 27-year-old righty remains on top of the MLB saves leaderboard with 22 and boasts a 2.59 ERA and 1.02 WHIP with a 47:5 K:BB through 31.1 innings.

The Pirates placed Dotel on the 15-day injured list Saturday with a right lat strain.

Dotel gave up four earned runs in just 1.2 innings during his appearance Friday, and his strained lat may have been a factor in his poor performance. He'll now remain out until at least June 28, and the Pirates will bring up Brandan Bidois from Triple-A Indianapolis to fill the void in their bullpen.

The Pirates recalled Bidois from Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.

Bidois was sent down to Triple-A on Friday, but he'll turn around and head right back to Pittsburgh following Wilber Dotel's (lat) move to the injured list Saturday. Bidois has turned in a 4.05 ERA and 1.65 WHIP through 13.1 innings with the Pirates this season, but a 7.08 FIP will likely ensure he remains far away from high-leverage opportunities.

The Rangers designated Otanez for assignment Saturday.

Otanez has spent the entire season in the minors, and he'll now lose his place on the 40-man roster after posting a 6.15 ERA and 1.72 WHIP in 26.1 innings. Joe Ross was selected to the big-league roster in a corresponding move.

The Rangers optioned Curvelo to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

Texas added Curvelo to its bullpen Thursday, but he'll head right back to Triple-A after giving up three earned runs in one inning Friday against Boston. The 25-year-old now owns a 7.56 ERA and 1.92 WHIP through 8.1 innings with the Rangers this year and will likely have to show signs of improvement at Round Rock before getting another shot in the big leagues. Joe Ross was selected to the active roster in a corresponding move.